Mega Church Growth Slows: A new study by Scott Thumma, Hartford Seminary, indicates that after 20 years of rapid growth, churches of more than 2000 members, growth has markedly slowed. There are approximately 500 such mega churches in the U.S. and nearly all have a conservative theological orientation. The research reveals the following risks and trends:
Members are growing dissatisfied with contemporary music, mini-dramas and sermons filled with life-lessons.
· Some attendees are feeling lost in the crowds and want something smaller and warmer.
· Saddleback Community Church, Orange county, is considering replacing pews with tables and chairs to help worshippers feel more connected.
· Small groups are being emphasized and some observers suggest mega churches will eventually decentralize to the point that home groups will replace weekly central worship.
· Some, such as Calvary Chapel, have started several daughter churches, essentially becoming quasi-denominations. There are 800 Calvary
...